A 61% rise in people across the North East representing themselves in family courts highlights the need for couples to seek out a more pragmatic solution for their family’s future, instead of heading straight to court, says Changing Lives’ Families Talking service.
Families Talking, part of the Changing Lives charity group, works across the Tees Valley and including Darlington, Peterlee, Newton Aycliffe. The charity provides practical information and guidance for adults and children who are experiencing problems and distress as a result of family breakdown, separation or divorce.
“Most couples across the North East who have decided to separate think their only option is to head straight to court,“ says Kay Duffie, Manager of Families Talking Service in Middlesbrough. “Legal Aid cuts introduced last year mean more and more people are representing themselves when they get to court because they cannot afford high cost solicitor fees.”
Figures from a Freedom of Information request show the number of people representing themselves in private law child proceedings in the North East rose from 4,698 (April to December 2012) to 7,562 (Apr – Dec 2013), an increase of 61 per cent.
“But the ‘courtroom first’ culture is deeply flawed,” she adds. “There are alternative and better ways to settle disputes that put children first. Family mediation can provide long-lasting, common sense solutions that avoid a courtroom drama, especially for children caught in the middle of their parents’ disputes. Mediation is quicker, less stressful, and it’s cost-effective too.”
Duffie ends: “Legal Aid is still available for mediation too – a cheaper and quicker way of resolving family issues than heading straight off to court. People who want to know more should call 01642 222967 or visit our website www.familiestalking.co.uk”
It follows the results of a survey carried out by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, The Independent on Sunday and the Magistrates’ Association, using a sample group of 461 magistrates sitting in a variety of courts across the UK. Nearly two thirds of magistrates think ‘litigants in person’ have a negative impact on the court’s work.